Sunday began with an eye-catching run by Venetian Sky finishing 4th in the 7f maiden at Doncaster who looked a future handicap winner in waiting. She should be left on her mark of 74 and a Class 4 handicap will be ideal next time out.
Lilt couldn’t overcome her inexperience when a staying on 6th behind Diamond Necklace in the Prix De Diane, she still doesn’t know what to do when asked to quicken up and there is lots to come possibly on softer ground in the Autumn. The 3rd place of Inis Mor was a big boost to the chances of Earth Shot in the Ribblesdale at Ascot next week.
In a majority of the top races over the past two seasons Somerville Lodge runners have been ill-feted with either the worst possible draw or others that create a barrier to success. That cannot be said on the first day of Royal Ascot where Valiancy in Stall 14 in the Copper Horse and More Thunder Stall 9 in the Queen Anne have been given the preferred high draws.
If as expected Opera Ballo sets the pace in the Queen Anne from Stall 7 More Thunder should be perfectly positioned to make his run on the stands side. Notable Speech is drawn in stall 1 which will cause William Buick to tuck in behind the pace before delivering his run.
In the Copper Horse not only has Valiancy been drawn high in stall 14 but the 2nd and 3rd in the market Gamrai and Aeronautic have drawn stalls 2 and 3.
It is no surprise that Valiancy has shortened further into 15/8. Hopefully, some of you are on at 4/1 Ante- Post. In past years I would have said that 15/8 would get bigger on the day of the race, but in markets driven by Algorithm’s, in today’s world that is not often the case.
Recommended Bet Valiancy 2pt Win 6.10 Ascot Tuesday
More Thunder is 4/1 from 9/2 after the draw and the final declarations. I think he will attract support given what could be slightly disadvantaged stall position for Notable Speech. I am happy to stick with the already advised 1pt EW Recommended Ante- Post Bet More Thunder 9/2 2.30 R Ascot.
Somerville Lodge Day 1 – Other Runners and Race by Race Review
Coventry Stakes 15.05 Group 2 for 2yo’s over 6f
No surprise that there are no Somerville Lodge 2yo’s in this contest and in this case the draw has been kind to the short priced market leader the Ballydoyle based Confucius who has drawn stall 20 of 22. He is as short as 13/8 as a consequence but may face a serious challenge from the Eve Johnson Houghton trained Night in Vegas drawn alongside in stall 21.
King Charles Stakes 111 Stakes 15.40 Ascot
The next William Haggas trained runner on Day 1 First Instinct who would have been worth a small interest in the 5f Group 1 Contest, on softer ground with a good draw However, she is badly drawn and the ground will be quick !
Available at 100/1 there will be other days for this ultra tough likable filly.
The race will be dominated from the front by the Australian speedster Joliepass, who if he brings his Aussie form to Ascot, perfectly drawn in stall 19 will likely make all and last home for favourite backers. The bookmakers are on the back foot with a best price 5/2 on offer.
No Bet Recommended
16.20 St James Palace Stakes Group 1 8f 3yo only
A race that is filled with intrigue now that Bow Echo and Gstaad have drawn Stalls 1 and 2. With no obvious pacemaker or pace I don’t think Billy Loughnane will have any option but to ride the 2000 Guineas winner close to the front. If Bow Echo is right out of the top drawer, even off a slow pace, he should still have the gears to get first run on Gstaad and retain his unbeaten record.
17.00 Ascot Stakes 2m 4f 0-100 Handicap
The Closutton based Reaching High trained for the King and Queen by Willie Mullins, runs here for the first time since he was beaten as the 11/4 favourite in this race in 2025 . His bid was scuppererd by his draw in Stall 1 and it looks likely that despite being off the track since, with a better draw in Stall 8, he will be even shorter for this year’s renewal.
He is one of a very small number of horses transferred out of Sir Michael Stoute’s yard on his retirement yet to win for new connections.
This race has always been a case of the Ascot executive doffing their caps to the Cheltenham festival lovers. Thankfully no Somerville Lodge contenders. Good Luck if you having a bet.
17.35 Wolferton Stakes 10f Listed Race
Given the high level of the entries the Somerville Lodge pair of Crown of Oaks rated 104 and Yabher 102 did not get into the race.
This is a listed race in name only with the lowest rated horse in the maximum field of 16 rated 108. It will take a horse of Group 2 quality to prevail. It looks a very difficult puzzle to solve.
Summary
Two bets on the day both fully expected to go very close and it will be disappointing if one or the other doesn’t give Somerville Lodge a first day winner.
2.30 More Thunder 1pt EW 9/2 advised
6.10 Valiancy 2pt win.
More Thunder can give William Haggas perfect start to Royal Ascot.
Chrysalis Consortium 
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